Some weeks, life simply hurts. While wincing with emotional pain, I read passages such as Matthew 9:36 about the compassion of Jesus and I think about my call to have open eyes and ears to see the needs of people around me. I have been told many times that I have a call to give compassion like Jesus–the “Wounded Healer” role. That is real. But I am not often reminded to receive Jesus’ compassion.
We can be lousy at receiving compassion. We generally want to be the applier of compassion—to be the happy soul that is full of joy to bestow all the blessings. But there are times that we simply hurt. Times that we are wounded. There are times to grieve deeply.
I am convinced that healthy spiritual living requires being open to receiving compassion. To take the time and read the passages about Jesus having compassion on those around Him, and being reminded that He has compassion on me, today. To honestly allow people into vulnerable places of sorrow that are crippling me because I try to keep the hurt buried and away from any healing salve of compassion.
When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9:36) This passage is certainly a part of Jesus asking His disciples to pray for laborers in the harvest, and then sending them as an answer to that prayer. I can’t help but think that an important part of their sending was that they had received compassion from Jesus. That they would receive compassion from one another as he sent them out.
We are restored for a purpose. Part of that purpose is to share the compassion of Jesus with those He places in our lives. Part of the restoration is to receive the compassion that Jesus offers. I hope we receive well.
Want to learn more about Restored for a Purpose? Check out the July 25-31 2021 SDB Virtual Conference details here: agenda link.
